MANCHESTER MARATHON 2024! EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER! TOP 10 FINISH!

Oh marathons, why do you hurt so good!
You just have a way of bringing us back for more!
My journey continues..
Race re-cap coming soon.
Thanks for the support and congrats to all 32,000 who raced.
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Onwards and Upwards,
Nick

[@RobE8475]

Brilliant Nick.. 7th overall is insane. Hopefully you are very proud of what you have achieved 💪

[@ryanjones2627]

2:22 I'd quite literally kill for a time like that. Its incredible. Give yourself kudos.

[@toxic_narcissist]

wat

[@roadrunner3481]

Found myself repeating the bit at 8:50. The vibes with the piano and the positivity there is magical. What people coming together can do. Well done Nick!

[@lukeskywalker2405]

Top effort, marathons are tough. I was there myself helping to better my disappointing performance last year, but ended up slower. It made me appreciate last year’s time more and cherish the medals even more.

[@richardwilson5913]

It will be your day soon Nick. The body is strange and predicting when it will feel great is so hard. One time soon, no matter the pace you are running, it will feel powerful, you will feel great and 2.18 will happen.

[@ProddyC]

Such an inspirational guy! A serious credit to yourself, your family and all your Best Athletics athletes

[@justalilbester]

Thanks for your kind words my champ! 🫶🏻

[@fabriziorossi2294]

Let alone the running, your video editing skills have gotten so much better. Great effort regardless!

[@justalilbester]

🤣🤣 I actually didn’t end up editing this one. But thanks anyways ;) if I spent more time on editing, I’d have less time to train.

[@bully3628]

Nick, you are such an inspiration! Your enthusiasm and energy are infectious. I checked the results when I woke up and was gutted to see you didn’t get a sub 2:20. I’m sure you’re disappointed, but you should be very proud of yourself. This quote by Thomas Paine sums up your journey to get a sub 2:20. “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; 'tis dearness only that gives everything its value.” Keep the faith and you will get there! Sending you love from the USA.

[@justalilbester]

Love this!! 🫶🏻 Thank you!

[@nothingfortherunback]

Epic Nick, loved the music and past comments phased in, what a motivational video. Sorry you didn't get sub 2:20 but it's been great following your journey. Would love to see you set aside 15 weeks marathon training to help with holding that MP pace. Good luck for Berlin it's only matter of time before you break through.

[@BenHack]

Incredible effort Nick! Just how sweet is it going to be that day you dip under 2:20. As much as it stings now it's going to be so much sweeter in the long run because you've really had to earn it that hard way. Inspiring, well done.

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Boomshakalaka. Keep going boet. 7th overall. Wowza. Keep up the great work. Positive fibes as always. Love the video

[@tonyhaskellful]

You’ve inspired me to sign up for my first marathon hopefully I get in via the ballot or if not through a charity. It’s hard being a dad and trying to get training in. We’ve both just moved house as well so I think we’re going through the same craziness. You’ll get the sub 2:20 because you never give up and neither will I 🔥

[@YouKnowImVert]

Well done Nick! Was so surprised to see you go past my front door at mile 20 after watching your videos! Hope you are well :)

[@michaelbloor8965]

What an edit that is mate ❤ glad to see you enjoying the finish line and embracing what you achieved 🎉 amazing! Berlin lets gooooooo 🚀🇩🇪

[@billycc97]

Well done Nick, was great to meet you! It will come!! Smashing it

[@sebjessup123]

Way to go! Watching you solo run the second half was so brutal, with a pack you had it for sure! Scares me for a marathon in two weeks where I'm going to try to go sub 2h48, but I'm expecting to run solo from start to finish :/

[@adamthompson2391]

Nick, I started watching your vids recently and find you a very positive and inspiring person, so kudos for that! 👏 This video has given me a boost for London at the weekend where on my my marathon journey I attempt a sub 2:35, so thanks! You are right too, you are consistently hitting around the 2:20 mark, and they say consistency is king, so I’m sure sub 2:20 will come and what a glorious day it will be when it does. 🎉 Also, I too have a bunch of kids and it can’t be underestimated the effect that has on training and general performance, they are amazing but not always conducive to ‘full sends’. 😂 My race strategy for London is to try and bank a bit of time (but not too much) in the first half expecting the 2nd half to be a bit slower, but attacking the last 6 like a beast! Common! Anyway, good luck for you next Thon, process the Manchester and take the positives forward with you. 🏃🏻‍♂️👏🎉🙌

[@pphilippon]

Valencia!!! That’s where the magic happens. You would have 130 runners in sub 2:20 to run with 🤩 You’ll get your well deserved 2:19:XX one day and it will be beautiful 🤟 See you tomorrow on the start line 🇬🇧

[@bartb217]

Your consistency in results is insane, shows your incredible dedication and preparation, so again great run! After doing the Rotterdam marathon as my first ever marathon this weekend, I finally have a feeling and idea what the marathon is and why it can be very addictive. The puzzle, the drawingboard, I finally get it, you have to run one, to really understand. As my coach says: it is out of your control, the stars have to align, you only can make sure you are prepared the best as possible at the start, but you can't control what will happen that day. It is the "torture" and magic of the marathon. But just finishing one already feels amazing. I said I would do only one, but now, after a few days, analysing what I can do better, I can't wait for the second one and try to do better. But first recover and racing some 5, 10 and 21K's this summer.

[@justalilbester]

Love this!! 🫶🏻 Very well said!!

[@jonathanwatkins447]

Boomshakalaka. Keep going boet. 7th overall. Amazing. I know it's not what you wanted but I bet a few years ago if someone would have said you will do many marathons In a row around 220-222 you would have said not a chance. Keep up the great worw. Love the video as always

[@cpatrader1]

I love your attitude! Can't wait for Berlin!

[@jamescorry5890]

What a great and honest video. Well put together but most importantly massive respect on your mindset. 👏

[@iberiksoderblom]

111 going 222. Awesome run!

[@DanielLorey]

I saw you pass and thought “I’m sure that’s the bloke off KZbin”. For reference that bump at 25km blew me up completely. Got a 5 mins PB but could have been a 12 min PB… oh well! Congrats on the top 10 finish 🙌

[@fastrax1949]

Going through the half in 70.10 you must have thoughta sub 2.20 was on. But the top end of the race was so thin! . I see you run the second half solo so often. So much harder than in a group. Then the seconds start to drop from each kilometre. Doubts creep in. BUT you kept on to achieve a very good time and 7th place. Well done, solid. I compare your "islotaed" run to my run in London 1983 (search KZbin Grete Waitz world record attempt) Running with her the adrenalin rush was EXTREME! We passed dozens and dozens of slowing runners as she strove to achieve a world record...which she did. Me? I ran 2:25.36 but this was only good enough for 200th place' that's how deep the quality was back then. Best of luck for the future. Terry Lonergan

[@christinaclementson]

Must be so hard running solo when it gets tough. Still a fantastic run Nick! Huge congratulations 🥳

[@ladm.g.6043]

Nick, your perseverance is amazing… just keep on keeping on, and you’ll get there. In the meantime, congrats for this great accomplishment 🎉🎉🎉

[@karlbratby4349]

Well done Buddy, you will get the time you desire, and if not its no biggy, you have your health and family and that is FAR more important.

[@cory3476]

🤙🏻👊🏻👊🏻. Great effort!!!

[@TJ-pc3mx]

There’s no Quit in you big man.

[@lizzyg4817]

Fantastic running Nick. Great to see you celebrating with the marathon crew even if you might have felt a little disappointed. There are so many things you can't plan for in a race, it looked like you were alone for a lot of it and that is so tough. Awesome work 🎉

[@laurenaronson8289]

Congratulations 🎉

[@MontysWall]

Your energy is infectious!

[@DavidBond668]

I run 5k/10k and signed up to a half. I can't imagine running marathon let alone in the times you get. You are doing insanely well despite missing out by a small margin on your target. My focus is to improve my times is now on weight loss while maintaining muscle mass. Its rough to drop weight but probably worth it. Ps I'm "overweight".

[@coachrunningoli]

so much emotion, you are amazing, always positive, i love your way to live running, thank you!

[@SimShepard]

Well done, Nick 🙌 You did extremely well. Your time is a distant or an impossible dream to others. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@Supafloppy]

Gutted again, Nick. 😢 But the dedication, positivity and your resilience is everything. Relax, recover and regroup. Just need to tweak your formula slightly, you're knocking at the 2:19 door man, we know you're going to do it. We're with you on the journey. 💪😎

[@lionheart4552]

If anyone is wondering why there are no top draw ( or middle draw ) East Africans at this event: 1st prize- £2,000 for wining Manchester 1st prize- £44,000 for winning London..

[@ingagade951]

You lonely wolf out of your zone and territorieum but man its great running and 7th overall thats really amazing and it shows your commitment to really fight for sub2.20. Congrates. Inga DK.

[@Jakettaylor]

Well done Nick, 7th is amazing! Out of sooooo many runners. Top tier and good job done. Sub 2:20 will come in Berlin it’s destiny- don’t change your usual game plan!! 😊

[@masherida]

I have a disability so swim rather than run but am enjoying following your journey. Keep it going mate!

[@ingagade951]

Man that was impressive Nick. 7 th overall what a run my mate. Congrates Nick.

[@williamlexton-jones5931]

Great effort. You’ll get there

[@chilloutvibesforyou]

Awesome result mate! My wish for you is that you not only concentrate on times, but really, in the end, the things you will remember and what is most important is the experience, the feelings, the atmosphere, and I truly hope that you keep running into your older years and enjoy it like I have in my 60's.

[@saljablo2767]

Incredible race. Awesome.

[@joeflanagan132]

Great put together video 🙌🏼 it’ll come, when it’s does it will be even more sweet

[@Snerunseasy]

Great video put together man, great attempt once again,2:20 is coming soon,well done Nick.... Booooooom shakalaka 👊🏾

[@laetitiaking2134]

An incredible run, Nick 🇿🇦!! 🤜🤜❤️ Well done!!

[@jamesgo1831]

Gutted for you Nick. You deserve that 2:19 so much and it was devastating seeing you miss it again. I think what you should probably aim to do is stop with the marathons for a while, go and take 10-15 seconds off your 5k and PB in the 10k then you should be able to smash a 2:18.. Back to back marathon blocks is pretty brutal over a few years and honestly isn't too good for improvement. I think you've seen this yourself to be honest. When you ran 2:20:08 you had just come off of a monster 66:19, and you were probably fit enough to break 2:20 on that day in the right conditions. It didn't go to plan ofc but you ran a whole minute slower at Cambridge this year, then 2 minutes slower in the marathon so I think deep down even in perfect conditions you wouldn't have broken even 2:21 today.... It would do you wonders to step away from the marathon until you get into the 14:1x or low 14:2x's. I know that marathons make good youtube content but at this point they are just detrimental to your performance. If you could do that, and get as close to sub 30 as possible then you would be able to smash the 2:20 barrier without all of the pain that it's currently taking.. Brutal truth is I don't think you will be able to hit it by just doing 2 or 3 big marathon blocks a year. You are really going to struggle at Berlin if you just do the same thing again.

[@justalilbester]

I agree. If I do the same training then I’m going to get very close but might not crack it. Over the summer I’m going to get my shorter distance speed down. Thats the plan. Then progress into a 10 week marathon block from there. Berlin’s the one. I’m telling you 👊🏻

[@truth-Hurts375]

​@@justalilbesterWalk away from social media....and do it !!!! Thank god we ran 2hr9min and 2hr12min marathons in the days before this social media bullshit....we trained like animals...ate like pigs...and we just went out and do it ! Didn't even bother to shave before the race !!!!!😂😂

[@dudefromsa]

Wow well done mate - you did very well.

[@benmerrison5022]

Amazing achievement, know you wanted more, but much to be incredibly proud of.

[@cobzo6743]

Absolutely unreal performance Nick, love your vids and positive attitude.

[@rascalroy6745]

Excellent work Nick, onwards and upwards from Canada 🇨🇦

[@user-gl4kp4ik4v]

Great video - we get to enjoy all the emotion and we are able to skip all the hard work ourselves! Boomshakalaka

[@electro479]

Brilliant effort, cant wait for you to strike this time down, sub 2.20 is just round the corner!

[@user-rd1nu9io1v]

You’re a legend Nick. I think you have a physiological barrier for 2:20, train/mentally prep for 2:18 & you’ll hit sub 2:20 🤓

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

Keep fighting Nick. It´s a matter of time you will get that 2:20, don´t give up and trust the process. It will come! amazing result

[@emksteve]

Great video as usual Nick - Inspiring stuff! If Berlin doesn’t get you that 2:20, have you considered trying a longer interval between your marathon attempts? Two attempts a year for the last 3 years and constantly moving from one block to the next will certainly be taking its toll physically and mentally! You know your stuff as a coach and I know stepping away for a cycle can be difficult when it feels like you’re so close, but you might really benefit from spacing your next attempt a year out and taking that freedom in training to dedicate time to other distances or aspects of fitness.

[@B1000ad]

Hard lines man, fantastic run all the same.

[@dianekee8956]

You have true grit and are an inspiration! Congratulations on a superb run. You will achieve your sub 2:20!

[@ianhearn9655]

Top work 👍

[@jbosseur]

That was a lot of running alone, why don't you aim Valencia that's in November and start preparing 'now'?? Train for 2:18 like you mentioned before?

[@lean2281]

Gnarly run. Kudos 👏

[@latchfordbob]

"Marathon's are brutal. They're not fairy tales", is a great quote.

[@rendy5092]

Great effort, 2:22:40 is insane but that goal of sub 2:20 is coming! On to the next (:

[@ImHamble]

Was super inspiring to see you go past when I was waiting at the start line - Never shouted so hard! Go again at Berlin! 💪🏽

[@francescabuscicchio3704]

Overcoming such tough days is the best way to learn about the marathon and yourself. Congratulations, great job ❤️‍🔥 PR will come 💪🏻

[@lizgreen2936]

Never give up never give in.... Yr amazing Nick and 2-22 is just brilliant but u will get yr 2-20 that's for sure....i hope yr proud of what you did achieve today because everyone is proud of you... 🎉🎉🎉🎉Are you defo on for London??. 😊🏃🏻‍♂️... #keeponkeepingon.... #booommmmmsshhhaaakkkaalllaakkkaaa... 👍🏻x

[@justalilbester]

Booooom Shakalaka!!! Ah yes 2:45 train is locked and loaded for London on Sunday 🚂 🎉

[@lizgreen2936]

@@justalilbester I'm tracking you for a biiiiiggggg Boooooommmsshhaaakkaalllakkka at 800 metres from finish...🏃🏻‍♂️😁👍🏻x

[@nicnak4475]

Next time Nick ! 👍

[@Mack.Tracks]

Well ran, Nick!

[@bh4560]

Mate most people on this planet will get nowhere near 2.30 never mind 2.22. You are an amazing runner and always bring mad positive vibes which is infectious..when the pressure is off yourself your sub 2.20 will happen.

[@tiaan777]

Without the ups and downs in life it would mean that you are dead. Well done on a massive effort and just keep at it. #2:20

[@davidleonard37]

7th place in the Manchester marathon. That's amazing Nick. Huge consistency there too. Well done.

[@lindsaybelderson7735]

Oh gosh Nick you don't negative split Manchester! The 2nd half is significantly tougher than the first, mate!

[@gowjer]

"Manchester, so much to answer for" Morrisey.

[@anthonygreen6338]

I saw you before my wave was called to start, gave a big "go on Nick!" as you all flew past It was my first marathon and I had to walk from around mile 22 as my calfs started cramping. Those last 4 miles seemed to take an age. I eventually finished in 4:17. Great day. Amazing support

[@mohammedismail8795]

Congratulations Nick, take stock and reflect how you get that sub2.20. time is on your side unlike us oldies! Perhaps experiment with more double days and easier runs now that you have access to softer grounds. As well as getting your half and 10km times a bit down! I think around 72kg on race day will probably help. If I am slightly over my race weight, I will not do well regardless of training but basic training at the right weight I race better, just saying!

[@CamMci]

Well done! You’ve got a sub 2:20 on a flatter course 100%

[@bleditufa3561]

Nick well done👍💪 I miss AR LONDON

[@LJG4693]

Keep going!! It’s there !!! Berlin next 👊

[@robertmelendez6677]

I have a feeling Berlin will be the race. Keep charging and stay healthy!

[@Cloud007.]

Are you sure you're eating enough carbs man? I'm the same height and weight as you and that pasta dish was about 1/8 of my normal day pasta allowance, let alone a pre marathon day. I just wonder, since you dip a lot in that final third, are you hitting the wall and running out of glycogen towards the end of the marathon?

[@crayontom9687]

You have to weigh that against GI distress though. The body should be at 100% glycogen stores if you’ve carb loaded for 3 days odd, one meal won’t make much difference

[@justalilbester]

That’s it, I’ve carbon loaded quite a lot more in the build up to the video you see. Having said that, there’s always areas to gain in nutrition and fuel.

[@wout123]

Was it cold pasta? That is hard to digest..

[@steventownley3342]

Hanging with some of the local top endurance club runners.top effort it's as fast as you'd think manchester.

[@GD-jm9su]

Mate you're seriously quick

[@stevehumphries8070]

Brilliant run as always Nick. That 2.20 will come, the same as the sub 3 will come for me. I ran 3.02.20 and that should be good enough for a GFA for London 🤞 Keep running and keep believing ❤

[@justalilbester]

Congrats and nothing more motivating!! Let’s keep grinding and go get it!!

[@stevehumphries8070]

@@justalilbester thanks and definitely 🏃🏼👍

[@fracanolo]

gr8 job m8

[@martinkelsen6049]

Are marathons really the be all and end all of running? The physiological requirements of marathon running are so specific, and unusual compared to other distance events. Most of us have or can build the glycogen reserves to run a half, without having to take on board carbs, with all that involves. So there is something for everyone, in all distances apart from the marathon. Ie. let us promote and celebrate all the other distances, like 5k, 10k, 8-12 k cross country, or 7 or 10 mile road races, or half marathons, and reduce the focus on marathons.

[@lean2281]

Mate, shut up

[@bendigeidfranemmanueljones5694]

Bravo! I'm doing one Sunday. Possibly not top ten finish lol

[@jim9301]

Berlin Marathon... It's gonna happen for you bro. No doubt.

[@BamainMn]

Excellent vidéo recap, was very well done. Sorry you didn’t get it this time…but Berlin it is.

[@Spursfan1125]

Unlucky nick great run tho maybe next time 🤞🏻

[@chesterclarke8643]

I wanted this for you so Bad! Love watching your videos and your progress. Thanks for being a great running inspiration 💪 Just an idea, reach out to Steve Way, i think he could help you go under 2:20.

[@mikehobbs624]

Great running Nick! I can't wait to see you break that 2.20 barrier. It looked a tough tun out there, solo for a while. Do you think a longer training block with more long runs is the answer?

[@justalilbester]

Yes potentially and definitely something I’ll be doing ahead of Berlin. Perhaps a 10 weeks block

[@young-spark]

I saw fair bit of headwind from Welsh Runners vlog. I hope you and Matt break 2:20 this year!

[@b3rt33]

35000 people and being top 10 is just incredible

[@KaydenPallatto]

I was really hoping to see you break 2:20 man. Unfortunately, this just wasn't the time. Keep on it, and 2:19 is in your future. I'm rootin' for you!! Top 10 finish is amazing though!!!

[@PoetWithPace]

Well done Nick! Maybe you missed the magic dust from a fist pump with myself before the start? Remember Cambridge HM 🤩

[@justalilbester]

Ooo yes maybe I’m missing that ;) 👊🏻

[@maxal2251]

Dust off and dial in again. See you in Berlin!

[@jannik3123121]

At this point you must be the most consisten marathon runner out there. Five marathons in a row within two minutes is crazy! If all our watches break tomorrow we just send you to run a marathon so we know how long 2:20 is 😂

[@justalilbester]

Haha nice way to look at it. Super proud of that! But yes, it would be nice to dip under! BERLIN it is :)

[@amandawalker4510]

So tough doing it by yourself for a lot of it too. Well done 🎉🎉🎉

[@leewellstead2305]

Great effort and I'm sure you will get sub 2:20 on the next one. Keep believing it can take you a long way

[@Bartoooshek]

Damn I really wanted that you hit this sub 2.20...